High tech voting system piloted in this year’s youth elections

A high tech voting system is being trialled by St Bedes R C High School as young people across the borough go to the polls this week to vote for the new youth MP.

Pupils at the Livesey Branch Road can log on to the learning platform a specialist website designed for schools and vote for their favourite candidate.

The new system means votes can be counted immediately and avoids mistakes that may lead to recounts.

It also allows voters to log on and vote in their spare time.

Voting is taking place in schools, colleges and a number of other of the Council’s partner organisations with the polls closing on Friday.

This year voters can choose from a list of 12 candidates all vying for the chance to represent the voice of young people in Blackburn with Darwen.

The would-be young MPs have been in training with the Council's youth forum since January.

They have attended sessions on issues such as public speaking, increasing their confidence and publicising themselves.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture, said: “It is important to encouraging young people to get involved in the democratic process.

“The new online voting brings the voting system into the 21st Century and will help make young people enthusiastic about exercising their democratic rights.”

Council leader Councillor Mike Lee, returning officer, said: “The Youth MP is an important role and I would encourage young people across the borough to cast their votes.

“Whomever is chosen will be responsible for making sure young people’s voices are heard and their issues are considered in the coming year.”

To find out more about the candidates visit www.learningbwd.org.uk and to see policy statements and videos of the candidates.

The count will take place in the Council chamber on Monday, March 22. It will be announced by the Leader of the Council Councillor Mike Lee at around 5.15pm.